Teachers

Mom’s Teachers Are Some Of The Best Musicians In The Louisville Area

With teachers available for a wide variety of instruments, Mom’s Music is able to offer music lessons geared toward your playing ability and needs!

Karsten Nelson

Guitar, Bass, Songwriting and Ukulele Teacher

Karsten has a catered to student approach that focuses on the fundamentals of reading, technique and song training. He teaches beginner to professional classes from age 7 and up. Karsten has a Bachelor’s degree in music from Bellarmine University and has recorded and performed in regional bands for over 10 years.

Joe D’Amato

Piano Teacher

Joe teaches beginner to advanced piano – specializing in Rock, Blues and Pop styles. He teaches theory and reading but also takes the approach of “close the book and put the knowledge to work”. Joe a native of Long Island, NY, studied piano with Ralph Caruso of the Ralph – Joseph Orchestra from age 5. He then majored in piano at the Nassau Community College. Joe currently performs weekly as a solo artist at restaurants, clubs and private events and as a freelance professional sound engineer and stage tech. <

Rob Edwards

Drum Teacher

Rob’s teaching focuses on structured fundamentals that apply to all styles of music. He instructs all ages beginner to advanced. He has been teaching at Mom’s for over 10 years. Rob has earned his Bachelor of Music education from the University of Louisville and has studied percussion with James Rago, Kalani, Glen Caruba, Jim Chapin and Jimmy Lobb. He teaches snare drum, drum set and hand percussion at Mom’s.

Justin Shaw

Drum Teacher

Justin’s approach is “show up with your sticks and an open mind”. He teaches beginner to advanced students of all ages. His focus is reading, ear training and written improvisation. Justin has a Bachelors of Music from the University of Indiana. He has studied marching percussion, classical and drum set in multiple styles from Jazz, big band to funk and classical.

Russ Wallace

Guitar, Bass, Drum, Ukulele and Vocal Teacher

Russ comes to Mom’s from Spring Field, Missouri where he attended Missouri State. He teaches mandolin, guitar, bass, drums, and vocals. Russ is also Mom’s Rock School coach. His styles include Rock n’ Roll, Blues, Metal, Punk and Pop. Russ creates a tailored personal lesson plan for students of all ages.

Billy Lease

Guitar, Bass Teacher – Rock School Coach

Billy enjoys teaching Rock, Blues, Country and Pop style of music to students of all ages using his own techniques to teach material that would match student’s preferences. Billy brings 15 years of musical knowledge and 7 years of professional touring experience to his students. With 8 years of formal music training, Billy has shared the stage with acts such as Spoon, Ok Go, Sleater-Kinney, and Biz Markie.

Cecilia Franklin ( Ms. C )

Piano and Voice Teacher

Cecilia began studying piano, voice and acting at The Karamu House and Case Western Reserve in Cleveland Ohio at age 5. A graduate of EKU with a Bachelors in Music Ed. with an emphasis in piano and voice. She began teaching privately while still in college. After graduating Cecilia taught Gen. Music at Caverna Indiana schools from 1978-1988. She started with JCPS in 1988-200 and ended her teaching career with the Archdiocese in 2005. Currently she teaches Piano and Voice at Mom’s Music and the West End. Cecilia enjoys performing solo piano and accompanying vocalists. She is choir director and pianist at Plymouth Church here in Louisville.

Karlyn Baker

Guitar Teacher

Karlyn has been a guitar instructor at Mom’s Music since 2008. He teaches all ages, all genres, notation, how to read guitar tab, music theory and everything in between. His forte is rock and heavy metal.

Chuck Marcum

Guitar Teacher

Chuck teaches Blues, Rock Blues, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and Music Theory, along with Minor & Major Pentatonic Modes. Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Black Sabbath are a few of Chuck’s favorites to teach. Part of Chuck’s main focus is getting the student playing right away and making sure they are having fun! He has been a regional guitarist since 1986, and he has played with the Rock Bottom Band since 1998. Chuck has opened for Molly Hatchett, Junior Brown, Leon Russell, David Allen Coe, Duke Robillard, and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith.

Shannon Vetter

Saxophone, Guitar, Piano, Voice Instructor

Shannon studied music education and saxophone performance at the University of Louisville School of Music. While attending he studied saxophone with John Moore and Mike Tracy, Piano with Dr. Oliphant, and voice with Dr. Jack Ashworth. Since leaving university Shannon has performed all over the country on a variety of instruments including saxophone, guitar, piano, mandolin, and drum set. He has recorded numerous albums with bands Gideon’s Rifle, Big Atomic, and under his own name. Shannon has eight years of formal and informal teaching experience. Teaches ages 5 and up. Offers beginner mandolin and ukulele as well.

Mathew Mozzoni

Guitar & Bass Instructor – Jazz School Coach

Mathew teaches private guitar and bass lessons for all skill levels and age ranges. Mathew also runs the Mom’s Music Jazz School, a jazz ensemble for all skill levels that meets Saturday’s at 11 am. Although he specializes in jazz guitar, he has vast experience playing and teaching many styles including blues, jazz, rock, pop, funk, and anything in between. He believes in a strong grasp of the fundamentals, so no matter what style you want to play, Mathew can help you take your playing to the next level. Matthew is a working musician, and you can see him in any number of local and regional venues, in a variety of settings including jazz combos, theater pit orchestras, rock bands, cover bands, and solo guitar performances.

Rick Bartlett

Voice Teacher

Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Rick Bartlett began his musical career at age 5 singing in church. While in high school, Rick began performing with the Kentucky Opera Association. He attended the University of Louisville School of Music as a voice performance major. Currently, Rick is a performer known for his rich velvet voice and talent on the piano and guitar with your favorite standards made famous by artists such as Nat King Cole, Lionel Richie and Frank Sinatra, Van Morrison, Prince and even Jim Croce! Rick has also performed with several regional orchestras including the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra as well as the Louisville Orchestra. Most nights, Rick can be found performing solo at Buck’s Resturaunt and Bar in downtown Louisville.

Contact Mom’s to inquire about lessons with “The Voice of Louisville” today!

Phil Rowley

Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Ukulele Teacher

After graduating from Musicians Institute in Hollywood California, Phil Rowley went on to become a very busy working musician all around southern California. Playing with people like James Harmon, Nathan James and Carnival Cruise lines as well as shows like Le Miserables, Cats and many others. It was during this period Phil discovered his deep love for early Blues music. Also a very passionate teacher, Phil always maintained a busy teaching schedule as well, often teaching between 30-40 students per week. In 2016, in an effort to have a simpler lifestyle and get closer to the OldTime music he loves, Phil and his family moved to beautiful Louisville Kentucky, where he lives in the Crescent Hill area. He is currently playing with a few people around town as well as leading worship at two different churches.

Dr. Ward F. Mowery

Dr. Mowery graduated from The Ohio State University with a Ph.D. in Music Education. Dr. Mowery is a Nationally registered Music Educator with MENC- Music Educators National Conference. He has served as a Music Adjudicator with OMEA and KMEA and was Principal Bassist with the Lima Symphony Orchestra for over twenty years. Personalities that Dr. Mowery has performed with include Eddie Arnold, Pat Boone, Roy Rogers, Doc Severinson and many others.

Annalie Durbin

Drum Teacher

Annalie teaches all styles of drumset, classical percussion and marching percussion in all levels of skills. She is currently pursuing her Jazz Performance Degree at the University of Louisville. She is a gigging musician performing jazz, funk and pop/rock throughout Louisville and surrounding states. Throughout her career she has studied under Mark Cappellini, Mike Hyman and Adam Nussbaum to name a few. She has appeared on NBC’s Today Show with the Macy’s Great American Marching Band in 2016 and has received numerous accolades for her music throughout her career.

Jessica Elle

DJ Instructor

Hailing from Southern California, Jess has been DJing for over a decade playing at a wide variety of venues for audiences both big and small. After an internship with the iconic DJ Steve Aoki at his label, Dim Mak Records, she began to rack up residencies at downtempo lounges before branching out to EDM clubs and hotels. Now living in Louisville, you can find Jess performing under the moniker Ghouligan at festivals, club nights, and as one of the resident DJs at PLAY Louisville.

Jess loves bringing the joy of DJing to students by honing their intuitive rhythm, teaching them about flow, introducing new genres, and preparing students for live performances. Students learn how to DJ on professional club equipment and are trained using Serato, professional DJ software that allows users to mix digital music live.

De’Quan Tunstull

Piano Instructor

Louisville native De’Quan Tunstull is currently pursuing a Jazz Piano Performance degree at the University of Louisville. He has studied with musicians Joe D’Amato, Chris Bizianes, and Dr. Gabriel Evens. On top of teaching piano privately and with Mom’s, he regularly gigs around town. De’Quan can also be seen aiding the jazz band at the Youth Performing Arts School. Due to his passion for teaching and attention to his students enjoyment of music, De’Quan emphasizes having a strong grasp of the basics, while also exploring to find new ways of playing and achieving mastery of the instrument. Though jazz is his main area of focus, De’Quan also teaches other styles, such as pop, funk, R&B, and soul. He teaches all ages and skill levels.

Katie Hostetler

Voice Teacher

After 10 years of choir and several years of private vocal lessons, Katie moved to Los Angeles to pursue her studies in music. There she attended Musician’s Institute in Hollywood and graduated with a vocal performance degree. Her top priority is to teach her students to have a strong and healthy foundation on which to build their unique voices. She is well versed in contemporary styles and loves creating specific exercises to help her students achieve the exact vocal tones they desire. In addition to being a vocal instructor, she is also a vocal coach and will walk her students through songs step by step. She also helps her students with mic technique, harmonies, posture, stage presence, and vocals for studio recording. Katie is currently working on a solo project. Katie would love to see you in her studio and help you with your musical goals.

Bradley McKinney

Piano, Saxophone Teacher

Bradley has played the piano since the age of 7 and saxophone since the age of 9. In middle and high school, he played in band and also participated in KMEA and performed in All County Band. He participated in marching band both at Louisville Male High School and also at the University of Louisville. He is pursuing a degree in Jazz Studies at UofL and is set to graduate this December. Bradley teaches piano and saxophone for jazz, rock, and pop music.

Teresa Hayward

Voice, Piano Teacher

Teresa Hayward is a singer, songwriter, performer and voice teacher from Chicopee, Massachusetts. Teresa has been singing and performing for over 10 years as a lead singer/soloist, in several choirs, bands and vocal groups, as a back-up singer, and as studio musician; she has experience performing many different genres and styles of music, including jazz, blues, pop, rock, indie, folk, musical theater and classical. She currently holds a Bachelor’s of Music degree in Jazz Voice and Music Management from The Hartt School at The University of Hartford in Connecticut. Teresa is passionate about the voice: its health and authenticity. Teresa works with students to explore each student’s unique voice, discovering their own authentic sound and cultivating their singing style, all while maintaining healthy singing techniques. She enjoys teaching students of various ages and skill levels, and teaches contemporary styles such as jazz, blues, pop, folk, and rock. As well as teaching voice, Teresa also teaches beginner piano.